The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised concerns over the growing presence of unsafe and substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning that the trend is eroding consumer trust and weakening the country’s economic integrity.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Tunji Bello, sounded the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards.
Speaking on the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” Bello said increasing uncertainty about product safety is already affecting consumer behaviour and market confidence.
“We are gathered at a time when product safety has become central to market integrity, consumer confidence, and public welfare. The theme for this year’s celebration, Safe Products, Confident Consumers, captures a simple but important truth: where safety is uncertain, confidence declines,” he said.
Bello, who was represented by FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Bola Adeyinka, disclosed that the commission continues to encounter numerous products that fail to meet basic safety and quality standards across several sectors.
According to him, these include improperly labelled goods, unsafe products, and instances of misrepresentation by manufacturers and distributors. He attributed the issue to weak internal controls, poor compliance culture, and in some cases, deliberate disregard for regulatory obligations.
“The effect is immediate and serious. Consumers are exposed to avoidable risks, trust in the market is weakened, and law-abiding businesses are placed at a disadvantage,” he said.
Bello noted that product safety is closely linked to economic stability and investor confidence, explaining that unsafe markets discourage participation, distort competition, and reduce overall economic efficiency.
He stressed that product safety is a legal obligation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, warning that the commission would enforce compliance rigorously.
“Consumers are entitled to goods that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose. Businesses are under a duty to ensure that the products they place on the market consistently meet these standards,” he said.
The FCCPC boss added that products posing risks must be addressed immediately through corrective measures such as withdrawal, recall, and proper notification to consumers.
To strengthen enforcement, the commission has expanded market surveillance and increased product testing in key sectors.
Bello also revealed that the commission is deepening collaboration with other regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
According to him, these partnerships focus on information sharing, coordinated enforcement, and joint interventions aimed at closing regulatory gaps and improving product safety standards.
“Consumer protection is most effective when institutions work in concert. Effective outcomes depend on alignment in standards, consistency in enforcement, and clarity in institutional responsibilities,” he said.
Addressing concerns about rising prices, Bello clarified that the FCCPC does not regulate prices but remains committed to addressing unfair market practices that harm consumers.
He urged manufacturers, importers, and service providers to prioritise product safety at every stage of their operations, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail.
“Product safety must be built into every stage of your operations. It cannot be treated as an afterthought,” he said.
Bello also encouraged consumers to play a more active role in safeguarding the market by staying informed, checking product labels, and reporting suspicious goods.
Nigeria has long struggled with the influx of substandard and counterfeit products, particularly in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and household items. Regulators have often blamed porous borders, weak enforcement, and poor compliance for the problem.
The FCCPC said its renewed efforts signal a tougher regulatory stance as the government seeks to strengthen market institutions and restore confidence in Nigeria’s markets.
